Apr

Our Smithsonian: Apart but never alone

“Social distancing” entered our vocabulary with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some of us, it may be easier to adapt as we work from our homes, collaborating with colleagues virtually, but for the Office of Protection Services and others on the front lines, the new norm is a whole new way of work.

Officers have adapted to the new social distancing requirements during the daily 0930 formation. (Photo courtesy Andrea Robinson)

Our new norm is to practice social distancing in morning and afternoon formations, while issuing equipment, taking a break and training throughout the building. No more than two officers are on break at one time, no more than three get equipment at one time and only four take part in training exercises.

Our officers’ safety throughout their 10-hour shift is our top priority.

—Andrea Robinson, Security Manager, National Museum of African American History and Culture

Two officers standing apart while one unlocks door

Officers maintain social distancing to access equipment for their shift. (Photo courtesy Andrea Robinson)

Officers maintain social distance during a shift change. Not the blue tape reminders. (Photo courtesy Andrea Robinson)

Thank you Andrea, Your team is doing an awesome job.
—Reneé Anderson, Head of Collections, National Museum of African American History and Culture

A marker on the floor reminds officers to stay six feet apart while accessing the equipment room. (Photo courtesy Andrea Robinson)

Social distancing in practice in the breakroom. (Photo courtesy Andrea Robinson)

Training for a security and safety walkthrough while maintaining social distancing. (Photo courtesy Shannon Wallace)

Officers wear gloves to avoid contaminating (or being contaminated by) surfaces they touch. (Photo courtesy Shannon Wallace)

Joseph Cokes, a new purchasing agent for OPS, currently reports to our Pennsy location to assist Sharline Bland with meeting the demands of uniform requirements for our security officers. They process, on average, 1000 pieces of uniforms items for our security units every quarter.

Ms. Bland’s outstanding work ethic has meshed well with Mr. Cokes as they work together to ensure that our officers do not lack equipment or uniforms during these trying times.

Thank you both for all that you do for OPS!

—Jonathan Finger, Supply Supervisor

OPS Purchasing Agent Joseph Cokes unloads uniform items while wearing PPE (personal protection equipment). (Photo courtesy Jonathan FInger)

Sharline Bland unloads uniform supplies at the Pennsy location while wearing PPE (personal protection equipment) in the form of a face mask. (Photo courtesy Jonathan Finger)

I just wanted to send a word of appreciation to the [National Museum of Natural History] OPS staff in the building during this very uncertain time. While I must go in regularly for animal care, I am in contact with OPS staff from the time I enter and throughout my time in the museum. They have been incredibly patient and polite, offering a kind word and joking as we all need it right now. It seems to be a thankless job and I wanted to offer my gratitude as we all risk our health and safety away from our homes to ensure the museum stands strong. A huge “thank you!” to the staff.

—Meg Rivers, Exhibits Project Administrator, National Museum of Natural History

On behalf of my colleagues at the National Museum of Asian Art, I write to thank you for the support [OPS staff have] been giving to my staff. I’ve learned that we’re always busy and overstretched at the Smithsonian, but the current circumstances, especially because they’re unprecedented, are particularly challenging. That we are managing to maintain our operations and make progress on crucial processes says a great deal about your commitment and professionalism.

—Chase Robinson, Dame Jillian Sackler Director, Freer and Sackler Galleries, National Museum of Asian Art

Our thanks to editor Emily Clyne, editor of the OPS Insider newsletter, where these photos and comments originally appeared.